In all companies, planning a project requires time and effort. This is why using different tools is a viable option. Many managers opt for them to save time while improving efficiency. A project Gantt chart is a tool that is famous in the project management industry. If you want to understand it in a better way, you are in the right place. Here is a complete guide to help you.
A project Gantt chart is a typical bar map that displays a timeline of the whole project. It includes different tasks against a timeframe and their completion percentage.
The chart shows what work has to be done on which day and who will do it. This means that every worker can know what they must do on a specific day. Not only that, but it includes the time in which a particular task must finish.
Therefore, it is the preview of a project’s dates and milestones. With this tool, managers can plan everything from the starting time of a project to the finishing date.
Key Features
No two project Gantt charts appear the same, but they do include some common features. Here is what you need to know about them:
1. Timeline
All Gantt charts include a timeline for tracking a project. It consists of the dates of all tasks and the duration of each one. Depending on the needs, they can be shown using days, weeks, or hours.
Besides that, the present day is always highlighted on a project Gantt chart. Additionally, the graph shows the percentage of work that has been done yet.
2. Activities
A project Gantt chart not only includes the duration of tasks, but also their key features. Not only that, but the bar graph can also show sub-tasks and who will complete them.
3. Owner
This is a component that is included in all project Gantt charts. It is typically the name of the person responsible for a particular task. In simple words, it is the worker who has been put in charge of an assignment on the graph.
Why A Manager Should Use It?
Here are the top reasons for a project manager to use a Gantt chart:
1. Allows Brainstorming
A project Gantt chart can serve as a mind map for various company projects. It provides a visual view of the timeline and task assignments. Thus, managers easily recognize if there is an overlap of duties. Typically, it is the best way to brainstorm a viable timeline and produce the most efficient one.
2. Helps With Managing Deadlines
One of the best things about the Gantt chart is that it allows for managing deadlines. This is because the graphs show the impact of task completions. It can help with determining the sequence of project dependencies.
Final Words
This is everything you need to know about a project Gantt chart. A simple tool will help you see the timelines and deadlines of a project. However, modern Gantt charts offer more flexibility.